But a Redbreast will perch upon the foot of a gardener at work, and alight on the handle of the spade when his hand is half upon it.

This I have seen.

And under my own roof I have witnessed affecting instances of the creature's friendly visits to the chambers of sick persons, as described in the verses to the Redbreast [No.

83].

One of these welcome intruders used frequently to roost upon a nail in the wall, from which a picture had hung, and was ready, as morning came, to pipe his song in the hearing of the invalid, who had been long confined to her room.